The Benefits of Using Medical ScribesPhysicians can spend more time with patients; charting accuracy is increasedG. Klaud Miller, MD

Klaud Miller, orthopedic surgeon, posted a new editorial on the the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). He listed several reasons why a scribe can be of benefit to the clinician. First and foremost, they allow the physician to "concentrate entirely on the patient." He goes on to describe the benefits of scribes as "chaperones" in the case of a lawsuit, in improving accuracy of the medical note, and helping him leave clinic earlier each day. In his closing remark, he alludes to the notion that scribes add extra costs to the medical system. "Although using a scribe may sound like a luxury to some, I have found that scribes more than pay for themselves in numerous ways, and I would never practice without one."